Print Quality and Guarantee: What to Do If the Result Doesn't Match
How Atta Print's print quality guarantee works: acceptable tolerances, a 5-business-day claim window, and a free reprint if the error is on our side.
The print quality guarantee at Atta Print follows a clear procedure: if the item you receive doesn't match the approved artwork or has a production defect, we accept claims within 5 business days of receiving the goods, and in cases of proven fault on our part, we reprint the job free of charge, keeping the original set-up costs as they were (for example, screen printing plates at approximately EUR 35.00 excl. VAT are not charged again). In practice, around 2–3% of claims relate to production, while the rest come down to file preparation or unmatched colour expectations — so below we explain where the line is between a defect and an acceptable deviation.
What counts as a production defect and what's an acceptable deviation
Printing is never perfectly precise: paper stretches, ink soaks in, fabric shrinks when washed. That's why the industry works with tolerances, which we apply too. If the result falls within tolerance, it's not a defect; if it doesn't, we reprint.
| Parameter | Acceptable deviation | Outside tolerance = defect |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting (business cards, flyers) | ±1 mm | Cut-off text, visible white edge |
| Large-format cutting (posters, banners) | ±2–3 mm | Cut-off logo, crooked edge |
| CMYK colour vs Pantone | visually close, not an exact match | Clearly a different colour, streaks, spots |
| Colour between two print runs | slight tonal shift | Visible difference within one batch |
| Print position on a T-shirt | ±5 mm | Crooked print or print on the wrong side |
| Embroidery outline | ±1 mm | Skipped stitches, puckered fabric |
| Sticker contour cutting | ±0.5 mm | Cut-through design, sticker won't peel off cleanly |
Why colour on screen differs from colour in print
A monitor displays RGB using self-illuminating pixels, while print uses CMYK inks on paper. Bright blues, oranges and neon shades simply can't be reproduced in CMYK — they come out less saturated. We don't consider this a defect. If colour accuracy is critical (corporate identity, for example), specify the Pantone code when placing your order, and we'll prepare a proof before the full print run.
Three steps that prevent 90% of problems before printing even starts
- A correct file. Vector graphics (.ai, .eps, .pdf), CMYK colour mode, text converted to outlines, images at 150 dpi for large format and 300 dpi for digital printing, with a 3 mm bleed. File requirements are listed for each product in our printing services section.
- Written artwork approval. Before production, we send a PDF proof with dimensions and print position. The approval you send by email or WhatsApp is the reference document we later compare the finished product against.
- A sample or proof print. For larger runs (100+ garments, 250+ catalogues), we recommend ordering one sample first. It costs the single-unit price — for example, DTF transfer up to A4 at approximately EUR 4.00–6.00 excl. VAT, or embroidery at approximately EUR 4.00–6.00 excl. VAT — and saves you reprint time later.
How to submit a claim
Email info@attaprint.lv or message us on WhatsApp at +371 25776699, and include:
- your order number or invoice date;
- 3–5 photos taken in daylight: an overview shot, a close-up of the defect, and the defect next to a ruler;
- how much of the batch is affected (for example, 12 out of 100 T-shirts);
- a short description of how the result differs from the approved artwork.
We respond within 1 business day. If needed, we may ask you to send 1–2 defective items back to Kandavas iela 29A for technical inspection (for example, to determine whether cracking was caused by the ink or by fabric treatment).
What happens after a claim
| Situation | Solution | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Production defect (misalignment, streaks, peeling) | Free reprint of the entire affected quantity | 2–5 business days, handled as priority |
| Our error in the artwork, based on your correct file | Free reprint | 2–5 business days |
| Error in the approved artwork (text, phone number) | New print at full price; set-up fee not charged again | Standard schedule |
| Low-resolution file, about which we warned in writing | Reprint at a new charge | Standard schedule |
| Colour deviation with no Pantone code specified | Assessed individually, partial compensation often offered | 1–3 business days for assessment |
If a reprint is no longer useful within the required timeframe (for example, the event has already taken place), we refund payment for the affected portion or issue credit for your next order.
Batch quantity tolerance
For screen printing and large garment batches, we allow up to 2% spoilage on the technical set-up run, so for orders of 100+ pieces we recommend adding a small buffer. If we deliver fewer items than ordered, we invoice only for the quantity actually supplied. For paper products — business cards, catalogues, posters and placards — the quantity is always exact.
What the guarantee doesn't cover
- Garment wear caused by incorrect care. Wash DTF and screen-printed items at 30–40°C, turned inside out, and never iron directly over the print.
- Stickers peeling off a dirty, greasy, damp or porous surface. Adhesive film should be applied to a dry, degreased surface at a minimum temperature of +10°C.
- Natural fading of outdoor materials. Standard outdoor adhesive film is rated for 2–3 years, PVC banners for 1–2 seasons.
- Subjective colour judgement without reference to Pantone or a previously approved sample.
FAQ
How long do I have to submit a claim?
Within 5 business days of receiving the goods. For hidden defects, such as print peeling after the first wash, you have 30 days — please include photos and washing instructions used.
Will a reprint cost me anything?
If the defect is our fault, no — not the printing, the set-up, or re-delivery within Riga. If the error was in the approved artwork, you only pay for the printing itself; the set-up fee (EUR 35.00 for screen printing, EUR 25.00 for embroidery, EUR 15.00 for catalogues) isn't charged a second time.
The colour differs from a previous order. Is that a defect?
A slight tonal shift between different print runs is normal, especially on different batches of paper or fabric. If the difference is clearly noticeable, we compare it with your previous sample and reprint if needed. In repeat orders, mention that the colour needs to match the previous batch.
Can I order a single sample before a large print run?
Yes, we also work with orders of just 1 piece. A sample costs the single-unit price without a volume discount, but if you then order the full run, the set-up fee is only charged once.
What happens if my file is too low-quality but I need it printed urgently?
We'll warn you in writing and explain the expected result. If you approve printing despite the warning, quality claims regarding resolution won't be accepted. Alternatively, our designer can redraw the file in vector format, usually within 1–2 business days.
How long does a priority reprint take?
Usually 2–5 business days depending on the technology; for urgent cases we can arrange something individually — for example, event posters can often be ready sooner.
